Real change for Vallejo schools

Vallejo's schools have suffered for many years. Due to serious mismanagement, Vallejo schools were taken over by the state in 2003 and forced to borrow $60 million. We still owe approximately $30 million. Payments of $3 million each year clearly affect the district's current budget. Our teachers are among the lowest paid in the Bay Area.

Our test scores of several years have improved only a minuscule amount compared to other nearby districts with the same demographics. Our dropout rate is one of the highest in the state. We lose many students each year who pull out via inter-district transfers or enroll in private schools because our schools are not safe.

The many nice sounding programs created through the auspices of our school board are clearly not working. Our schools are too important to let flounder forever. Our children, their future, our future are linked to our schools. Our property values, attracting new businesses and making our streets safe are all at stake.

This is why I am supporting three new candidates for school board: John Lewis, Dr. Fred Smith and Ruscal Cuyangyang. Some of the current board members have been in office for several terms. I have had enough and want change. I believe it will take new people on the board to get real change.

Come to the Obtainium Works Art Car Studio, 510 Pennsylvania St., Saturday, June 21, from 5-8 p.m. to meet these new candidates and hear what they have to offer. It promises to be an entertaining and informative event with auction, food, drink, music and an opportunity to see where some of the contraptions are made that you will see at the Obtainium Rally on Mare Island, July 27, and in the December Mad Hatter Parade. All donations will go toward the campaign fund for these candidates. Suggested donation $25.